Bonajour Propolis Serum Review

Bonajour Propolis Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Bonajour Propolis Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Bonajour Propolis Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Bonajour Propolis Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Bonajour Propolis Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Bonajour Propolis Serum:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Bonajour Propolis Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Bonajour Propolis Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Propolis Extract (est. ≈75.0%) and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Bonajour Propolis Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Propolis Extract (est. ≈75.0%) and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Bonajour Propolis Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Bonajour Propolis Serum to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Bonajour Propolis Serum as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Bonajour Propolis Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Bonajour Propolis Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Bonajour Propolis Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients like Propolis Extract and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Propolis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Plantago Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ulmus Campestris (Elm) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Gleditsia Australis Thorn Extract
Function:
Origin:
Angelica Dahurica Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bletilla Striata Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Amomum Xanthioides Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.2
6
4
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.2 10
10.0
6
4
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 14.2 10
10
All humectants
14.2
6
4
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 2 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
75
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 78.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
78.8
Propolis Extract
75
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
2
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
0.3
Laminaria Digitata Extract
0.3
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Epigallocatechin Gallate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
75
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 79.4 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
79.4
75
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Propolis Extract
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Propolis ExtractA famous bee product that has traditionally been used to treat inflammation and wounds. The extract is soothing and promotes skin healing.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Water
Est. %3
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractA potent, soothing extract from the bark of the white willow. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects due to its salicin content. Tannins from the willow bark extract have astringent effects and can aid in the skin’s healing process.
Saccharomyces Ferment
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Ferment
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of Indian lotus or water lily. It contains antioxidant, soothing, and antimicrobial organic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
Plantago Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Plantago Asiatica Extract
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Ulmus Campestris (Elm) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ulmus Campestris (Elm) Bark Extract
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laminaria Digitata ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from an edible brown seaweed called oarweed. It contains many humectant and gelling polysaccharides, as well as beneficial minerals.
Gleditsia Australis Thorn Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gleditsia Australis Thorn Extract
Angelica Dahurica Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Angelica Dahurica Root Extract
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
Bletilla Striata Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bletilla Striata Root Extract
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) ExtractAn abrasive rice extract rich in various emollient fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamin E.
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Amomum Xanthioides Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amomum Xanthioides Seed Extract
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract derived from cranberry fruits that is rich in powerful antioxidant anthocyanins, as well as astringent tannins.
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit ExtractObtained from the fruits of the lowbush blueberry, this purple-blue extract is rich in antioxidant vitamin C and anthocyanins.
Sodium Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CarbomerLike Carbomer, only pre-reacted so that no neutralization is required. Carbomer based gels are clear and have a non-sticky smooth feel. Many high end cosmetics will use carbomers as part of their formula to build body without making a product feel heavy.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Epigallocatechin GallateA bioactive compound isolated from green tea with numerous beneficial effects. It is an astringent and antioxidant and can help the skin to heal, reduce redness, and treat UV-induced damage.